With the ability to launch a projectile at speeds of up to 11,500 feet per second without using an explosive charge — roughly four times as fast as a bullet fired from an M16 rifle — such a weapon could propel projectiles capable of doing as much damage as a Tomahawk missile at a fraction of the cost. General Atomics also touts the improved safety to troops, who wouldn't be carrying as much volatile explosive material into combat.

A working demonstration model of the Blitzer is expected by 2016, according to reports, with full production capabilities in place by 2019.

Comments

General Atomics Rail Gun - Land-based Electric (aka GARGLE) will be a military weapon game changer, especially where the energy needed to run it is plentiful and because it is magnetic, the greater the magnetic rail "push" the greater the objects mass and/or the speed of the projectile that it can fire.